Asbestos is a hazardous material that was widely used in construction in Ontario until the late 20th century for its insulating and fire-resistant properties. While it is no longer used in modern buildings and construction, many older homes and commercial properties still contain asbestos in their walls, ceilings, flooring, insulation, or roofing. If left undisturbed, asbestos usually doesn’t pose a serious threat. However, if the fibres become airborne due to damage or disturbance, they can pose serious health risks, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. It’s crucial that when you suspect a building material property has asbestos, you navigate the situation carefully and safely with the expertise of a trusted service provider like Inch By Inch Inspections that offers reliable inspections, commercial or home air quality tests and asbestos removal in Toronto and the surrounding region.
Here are some tips on how to check for asbestos without disturbing its fibres.
Know Where to Look
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The first step in identifying potential asbestos-containing materials is to understand where it’s most likely to be found. Common areas where asbestos-containing materials were used in older properties include:
- Popcorn ceilings or textured ceiling coatings
- Vinyl floor tiles and the adhesive used underneath
- Pipe and duct insulation, especially in basements or crawl spaces
- Attic insulation, particularly vermiculite
- Cement panels, shingles, and siding
- Old boiler insulation or furnace linings
If your property was built before the mid-1980s, there’s a higher chance it may contain asbestos. Even properties built through the early 1990s could still include asbestos materials. When determining whether you need asbestos removal in Toronto, do not approach the materials or make contact with them right away.
Do Not Touch Suspicious Materials
It’s critical to avoid poking, scraping, or disturbing any materials you think might contain asbestos. Even light contact can cause fibres to become airborne. Instead, visually inspect the condition of the material. If it appears cracked, flaking, or water-damaged, it may be more dangerous. However, the absence of visible damage does not mean it’s safe.
When in doubt, always assume the material contains asbestos and take appropriate precautions. Instead, contact Inch By Inch Inspections for a comprehensive approach that follows legal requirements and best practices to maintain your safety.
Book Professional Asbestos Testing
The safest and most accurate way to confirm the presence of asbestos is to schedule a designated substance survey or asbestos test with a certified professional. Specialists at Inch By Inch Inspections will collect samples using controlled techniques and laboratory analysis to verify whether asbestos is present and in what concentration. During this process, they use personal protective equipment (PPE), proper containment methods, and advanced tools to ensure no fibres are released into the air.
This type of professional air quality testing and removal is not only safer, but it is also required by law in many cases before a renovation, demolition, or major repair project can begin.
Find and Eliminate Asbestos with Inch By Inch Inspections
If you have suspicions of asbestos-containing materials on your property, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced specialists to identify, confirm, and abate the hazardous mineral from your space. Contact Inch By Inch Inspections to learn more about our approach and to start your journey to asbestos-free living.
